When your dog doesn't seem interested in eating his food, do you know what to do? When your dog vomits often, could there be something serious wrong with him? If he struggles to get up the stairs, does he need to see a vet? Having never owned an older dog, I knew nothing about the things that can begin to go wrong when dogs age. I adopted this guy when my neighbor moved into a nursing home and had to learn a lot about how to care for an older dog. My blog is filled with the many things that I have learned over the last year through the help of my vet.
caring for an elderly dog
Answering Common Questions About Your Pet's Dental Health
Lucy Grant
Your pet's dental health is an important factor in determining its quality of life, but this is something that many owners may overlook. This mistake can lead to several consequences that well-meaning pet owners would likely want to avoid. However, if you understand the following answers to common pet dental concerns, you will find yourself in a better position to care for your beloved pet.
Are Dental Problems Serious For Pets?
Some owners may make the mistake of assuming that dental problems for their pets are not serious issues to address. However, this is actually far from the case, and dental issues can lead problems for your pet that cause discomfort and health complications. For example, it is possible for an infected tooth to eventually develop into an abscess that can be both painful and potentially dangerous to your pet.
Due to these concerns, you should never miss a regular cleaning session for your pet, and you should routinely check your pet's mouth for signs of disease or decay. If you notice bloody gums, decayed teeth or any other things that are unusual, you should immediately arrange for your pet to go to the dentist as soon as possible to treat these conditions before they can worsen and spread.
Can Dental Extractions Cause Complications For Your Pet?
Many owners assume that the best option for treating a pet's dental issue is to pull the damaged tooth. However, this something that many veterinarians will want to avoid for a variety of reasons. When a tooth is removed, it can have a profound impact on the way your pet eats because they may need to change diets, and this is particularly common for pets that have normally consumed dry food because it may be too hard for them to comfortably eat after the tooth is removed.
To avoid these complications, your veterinarian will likely attempt to perform a standard filling or bonding procedure on the tooth, but if this is not possible, the only other course of action will be to remove the tooth.
Keeping your pet healthy will involve numerous trips to the veterinarian's office for many different reasons. However, you should avoid making the mistake of assuming that dental problems are not serious issues for your pet. By understanding the threats that these issues can cause and why it is important to avoid extracting damaged teeth, you will be better prepared to keep your pet safe from these routine health complications.
To learn more, contact an animal hospital like South Hills Animal Hospital.
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